Can You Buy A Car Without Credit?

For a large number of people, using credit is the easiest way to buy a car. It gives one a much more extensive range of cars to choose from, and in a lot of cases, actually makes it possible to buy; buying a car with just cash is not the reality for most.

But wait, you’ve made some mistakes with your credit before, or just haven’t established a history yet, or, there is no one to co-sign with you. Yes, it may be harder to buy a car on credit if any of these apply to you, but there are still options, they just take a bit more keen knowledge. Check out these steps and find a way to buy a car on credit, even without any.

Check Your Credit Report

A credit score is what determines the interest rate a lender will offer. Examine your score before applying for any auto loan to address any concerns there may be regarding the report. The lender will have full access to this report and can deny or approve an application based on the score. If you are aware of what is there it will better prepare you for the loan process.

Explore Alternatives for Financing

There is no law that says credit should be sought from a dealership. It certainly is more convenient, but not always the most economical option. Check out a local credit union or personal banking institution and see if they have any alternative options that suit your situation better. Sometimes smaller lenders can offer a better rate; when the application is more personalized, it creates better offer terms.

Save for a Down Payment

So you have no favorable credit history that you can show a potential lender. Compensate with proof that you are responsible with money. The less of a risk you pose to your lender, the more likely they are to approve your application. The more of a down payment procured, the lower the interest rate will be, and the more likely a lender will be to approve a loan.

Consider Used Vehicles

By opting for a used car rather than new, not only do upfront depreciation costs disappear, but your dollar will stretch much further. Remember to be savvy when searching for used cars; the higher the mileage, or the more owners it has had, the more costs likely to accrue while maintaining it. The smaller the loan needed however, the more likely it is to be approved.